Two Pontiac Township High School FFA members were able to promote their club and what it does in the community at a Rotary Club meeting Tuesday.

In honor of National Agriculture Week, Pontiac FFA members Rachel Lauritsen and Amy Wyant met with club members at Pontiac Family Kitchen to discuss the history of FFA and the benefits the organization can offer to its members and the community.

“It’s a really good experience. We are really excited to be able to get out into the community and show people what being involved with FFA is all about,” said Lauritsen, a junior. “Without knowing where we came from, we can’t truly understand our benefits today.”

Wyant, a sophomore, said writing the presentation gave her insight into the history of the FFA program in Pontiac, an insight she and Lauritsen wanted to relate through their presentation.

“Although our foundation was based on farming, we have progressed so much as an organization and we now can accommodate almost anyone from any background,” Wyant said. “We are both well-educated on the subjects we are discussing, which made them easier to talk about with the Rotary Club.”

Pontiac Rotary President Lori Fairfield said she is always excited for the chance to get area youth involved in Rotary. By having Pontiac FFA members give a presentation on what that organization does, discussions develop between the Rotary and FFA members that may provide future opportunities.

It also helps the youth organization give a face to the FFA auction, which the public is invited to each year.

“We have some influential business people involved with the Rotary Club,” said Fairfield. “It’s exciting for us to hear the message FFA members are going to give. I personally think it’s an awesome thing they are doing. It’s also nice for us to remember all the positive things that our Pontiac FFA program does for the community.”

Rotary members were able to pose questions to Lauritsen and Wyant after the presentation.

FFA adviser Jesse Faber gave a brief discussion to fill in any holes and respond to questions, too. He also encouraged Rotary members to consider the FFA for any future projects.

Livingston County Farm Bureau Manager Teresa Grant-Quick said that as much as Rotary members benefited from the presentation, Lauritsen and Wyant benefited, as well.

The students, who are both taking public speaking classes at the high school, were given an opportunity to hone their public speaking skills in front of an audience.

“Public speaking is a skill that is going to be helpful throughout their lives,” said Grant-Quick. “Today is about FFA. The main difference between what is happening today and the Issues and Eggs program being given on Thursday, is not only the topic, but also how the Pontiac FFA program gives us at the Farm Bureau a hand in educating the community. So, today provides a good experience for everyone involved.”